UMass Falcon, A Webcam Sensation, Dies At 14
AMHERST (CBS) -- A falcon that nested atop the University of Massachusetts-Amherst library and was featured on a popular campus webcam has died at 14 years old.
Every spring for 12 years, the male peregrine falcon nested with the same mate up on the 27-story W.E.B. Du Bois Library, according to the college. He raised 34 chicks over that time period, and it was all captured on a webcam that garnered nearly 270,000 views in 2014.
A passerby found the male peregrine falcon in a snowbank on campus on Jan. 15, the college said. Veterinarians believe the falcon got its wing caught on a power line and was electrically shocked, resulting in the fall to the ground.
The falcon died on Wednesday before it could be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center. Wildlife experts say he lived a full life.
"Fourteen is particularly old for wild peregrines," state biologist Tom French told the school. "Ten is the typical old age for our birds."
The webcam will still be turned on in April when breeding season begins, as the same female falcon is expected to find a new partner.
"They mate for life, but they don't mourn for a minute," French said. "I expect that you have a replacement at the library already."
A Twitter feed was also created for the falcons @DuBoisFalcons.
Watch Falcon Video:
